Pop group JLS will be celebrating this week after scoring their second #1 on the Official UK Singles Chart with their second single ‘Everybody In Love’. Ironically, the guys knocked off UK-media darling Cheryl Cole from the top spot; ironic in that it was  Cole who judged them on last year’s X-Factor.

Though I wasn’t the JR Rotem produced song’s biggest fan, it has kinda grown on me. I guess if there’s one song the guys could ever drop in America, video en-toe, it would be this. Very slickly produced and the video possesses enough ‘gloss’ for the US audience. Perhaps I’m jumping the gun a little, as in no way do I feel the guys are ready to crack the US market.

In any case, much congratulations to them! It’s very refreshing to have a UK group of an ethnic minority being so successful and having this much marketing £££ pumped into their brand. Things really are changing for the better on the UK scene.

Your thoughts?

Check out R&B star Ciara posing it up with photographers Steven Gomillion and Dennis Leupold in an outtake from her recent shoot for fashion label Express. Ms. Harris looks H-O-T!

Be on the lookout for the full shoot, which is set to surface very soon.

What do you think of the pic?

Singing sensation Leona Lewis performed new single ‘Happy’ on tonight’s episode of the X-Factor – the show which rocketed her into stardom. Though she’s had better vocal outings, she shows here why she is head-and-shoulders above many of her competitors; in another league.

Leona’s album ‘Echo’ hits stores November 16th in the UK and November 17th in the US.

What do you think of the performance?

The Black Eyed Peas took to the stage on episode of the X-Factor to perform new single ‘Meet Me Halfway’. While  I’m not big on the song at all, the performance was pretty good. The stage-spectacle was on-point and actually Ms. Fergie sounded better than usual.

What do you think of the performance?

Pop music’s current ‘it’ girl, Lady GaGa has recently launched another promotional single for her upcoming album ‘The Fame Monster’. The track, entitled ‘Dance In The Dark’ (produced by Fernando Garibay) is one of 8 songs that will be featured on her new project which she recently revealed is not a re-release as originally intended. Rather, the album will serve as her second official studio album. ‘The Fame Monster’ hits stores on November 23rd.

This song is basically another ‘Bad Romance’ but with more of an 80’s twist. The lyrics are quite intriguing but the over-use of the synthesisers and keyboards makes the track sound more like a basic dance track. However, given the public’s obsession with everything GaGa at the moment (and the incessant promotion that she gets via certain other blogs), I have no doubt that the track will do well on the digital sales charts. It seems that almost everyone is going gaga for GaGa.

Thoughts?

Your thoughts?

Sexy siren Shakira and Kid Cudi have teamed up to create the official remix of her international release, ‘Did It Again’. The original version song, which will not be released in the US, has so far managed to reach #50 on the Spanish Singles Chart. Shakira’s new album, ‘She Wolf’, will be released on November 23rd.

Having thoroughly enjoyed thee original version of this song, I was a bit worried that a remix would have diluted it’s flavour. On the contrary, I rather enjoyed every moment of this remix! The pumping dance beat, the heavy bass and the tight production on her vocals suited the song perfectly. However, Kid Cudi’s verse was a bit forgettable and  he came across as nothing more than a hype man on the track; adding nothing to the chemistry of the song. That said, I remain eager to hear Shakira’s new project. Great work.

Thoughts?

R&B star Chris Brown has released the cover art (as seen above) for the 2-disc Deluxe Edition of his highly anticipated 3rd studio album, ‘Graffiti’. The first single from the project, ‘I Can Transform Ya’ (featuring the pervasive Lil Wayne), has thus far peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #16 on the Hip-Hop/R&B charts. The album is slated for released on December 8th, which also happens to be the scheduled release date of Usher’s new album, tentatively entitled ‘Raymond vs. Raymond’. Below is the official track listing of ‘Graffiti’:

1. I Can Transform Ya featuring Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz

2. Sing Like Me

3. Crawl

4. So Cold

5. What I Do featuring Plies

6. Famous Girl

7. Take My Time featuring Tank

8. I.Y.A.

9. Pass Out featuring Eva Simons

10. Wait Featuring Trey Songz & Game

11. Lucky Me

12. Fallin Down

13. I’ll Go

The artwork is basically the same with very little dissimilarity from the original other than the gold  tint. It baffles me that most people dislike the cover. Is the fact that he is wearing spandex more important than the concept of the design?

Regarding the track listing, I must admit that I am excited to hear all of the material. If ‘I Can Transform Ya’ and ‘Crawl’ are any indication of what the album will sound like, then I sense this is going to be his most musically, lyrically and vocally sound production to date. My only concern is that he is going to be singing a song – ‘Take My Time’ – with Tank. No offense to Chris but I bet it was difficult for Tank to retrain his vocals in an effort not to out-sing Breezy on his own track. Either way, I expect great things from this album.

Tidbit: Is it just me or has everyone forgotten that Usher is even releasing a record this year?

Thoughts?

Check out this preview of Lady GaGa‘s eagerly anticipated video for new single ‘Bad Roamnce’, which aired on German TV show Wetten Dass last night. I’ll reserve full judgement until I see the vid n its entirety.

Your thoughts?

Grammy-favourite Alicia Keys took us behind the scenes of her latest music video for her new single ‘Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart’. The clip is based on the blockbuster movie ‘Hancock‘ (which starred Will Smith). ‘Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart’ was written and produced by Keys, Kerry “Krucial” Brothers and Jeff Brasker. Expect to see the video on your screen any day now!

Your thoughts?

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The fabulous Mariah Carey was seen looking extra diva while working on the set of the video for her latest single ‘H.A.T.E.U.’ yesterday in New York City. Mariah certainly gets around doesn’t she? Two locations for one video? Can’t wait for this one.

What do you think of Mariah’s look?

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